Trump and Xi meet to discuss Iran, trade, and US arms sales to Taiwan. Follow live updates.

Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump have started a crucial series of meetings in Beijing on Thursday in a US-China summit where few breakthroughs are expected on divisive issues ranging from the Iran war, trade, technology, and Taiwan.

Read more Senate Democrats plan to force votes on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rollbacks

Trump hopes to focus talks on trade and deals for China to buy more agricultural products and passenger planes, setting up a board to address their differences and avoid a repeat of the trade war ignited last year after Trump’s tariff hikes.

Xi will likely bring up America’s decision to sell weapons to Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing claims as its own territory. Trump in December authorized an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, but has not yet moved forward with delivery.

Stability in the relationship is the main goal of the two-day summit. Trump is expected to leave just after midday Friday after a final private meeting with Xi.

Read more Strong field, family bonds at heart of PGA Championship identity

Follow along live.

By the Associated Press

The leaders offered warm words about each other and hope for the future of US-China relations as they opened their bilateral talks.

But Xi sounded more cautionary about what lies ahead for the world’s biggest economic powers.

“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi said. “The two countries should be partners rather than rivals, achieve success together and pursue common prosperity, and chart a correct path for major-country relations in the new era.”

Read more Senate Republicans block Democrats’ effort to reverse several Trump-era CFPB changes